The National Book Foundation, under the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, held a naat recital at its Lahore regional office to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The event brought together prominent poets and literary figures from Lahore and emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to promoting literary and cultural activities across Pakistan.
The program, organized by the National Book Foundation, was presided over by noted poet Ghulam Hussain Sajid. Salman Basit and Naziya Rehman served as compères, guiding the evening’s proceedings. The gathering featured recitations of naat that celebrated the life and legacy of the Prophet and created a devotional, literary atmosphere.
In his remarks, Ghulam Hussain Sajid praised the Foundation’s efforts to extend cultural programming beyond Islamabad to Pakistan’s major cities, calling the Lahore recital a meaningful expression of reverence and literary culture. He also performed a naat, which contributed to the evening’s moving ambience.
Managing Director Dr. Kamran Jahangir received acknowledgment for initiating the Foundation’s expanded outreach. He thanked the guests and attendees, noted the National Book Foundation’s role as a national institution, and outlined the organization’s aim to host poetry and literary events across the country. Dr. Jahangir urged writers, poets, intellectuals and literary supporters to collaborate in order to broaden public access to literature and the arts.
The program included performances by distinguished Lahore poets Saud Usmani, Hamida Shaheen, Anjum Khaliq, Salman Gilani, Toqeer Ahmad Sharifi, Shahid Ashraf, Naveed Ghazi and Qasoor Khaliq. Local dignitaries, literary aficionados and many women from the community attended and applauded the recitations.
In closing, Dr. Kamran Jahangir reiterated his appreciation for participants and guests and called for continued cooperation to make the National Book Foundation’s platform a hub for literary activity nationwide. The Foundation said it will continue organizing similar cultural and literary events to promote poetry, prose and public engagement with the arts.
Saleem Akhtar, Public Relations Officer, National Book Foundation.
